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On Saturday, April 16th, I offered the d'var Torah, literally, "words of Torah" in the alternative worship service at Congregation Agudas Achim in Austin, TX. In Jewish congregations, one portion (or parsha) is studied each week. The parsha for this week was Leviticus 16.1-18.30, and is called Acharei Mot. My words are below:

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There were about 25 of us gathered on a Tuesday night in a synagogue in Austin, Texas: a handful of Baptists and Jews; a few Episcopalians; a couple of Methodists, Presbyterians and members of a Unity church; one Muslim; one Wiccan; one member of a Sufi order and one member of a non-denominational Christian church. Some were clergy, some volunteer and staff leaders in their religious communities, and some concerned laypeople. All were interested in learning more about how we can better work together to care for creation—people and the planet.

It was a good beginning.

Why would an interfaith environmental organization compete in a chili cook-off? Well, here are three good reasons:

1.     It was a faith-based event—the 6^th Annual Kosher Chili Cook-off in Austin, Texas, sponsored by Congregation Agudas Achim.

Today, a little about me. Then as we go, I hope to hear from you—your comments, questions, hopes, ideas. We are, none of us, alone in this work of caring for creation, and the more we work together, the stronger and more effective we will be.

Involving Others Multiplies The Energy Savings Free July Webinars Show How to Spread the Energy-Efficiency Story Saving energy, saving money and saving the environment are all part of the energy-efficiency story. Most of us enjoy the advantages already and have implemented large or small energy saving programs in our homes, businesses and organizations. But, it's important to get others to follow in our footsteps, and ENERGY STAR ® wants to suggest ways you could help others.

Congregations can sign up for EPA's Energy Star for Congregations training sessions, here.
What you can do Now, expanded tools available from EPA's ENERGY STAR Program make it possible to:
· Track energy use in your facility--even solar and wind
· Measure associated greenhouse gas emissions
· Set targets for investment priorities
· Track the results of your efforts

The Dallas Business Journal recently published a short
article highlighting T. Boone Pickens' opinions about using gas and wind power.
Given the current national discussion about offshore drilling, energy
independence and the use of alternative energy sources, I thought many of you
would find it interesting.

Here is a link to the article.